Houston 55+ New Construction Guide

Currently Active New Construction Communities (2025–2026)

The Peak MUD Trap in New Construction

Every new construction 55+ community in the Houston metro carries active MUD bonds — because that is exactly how new communities are built in Texas. The developer funds infrastructure, issues MUD bonds, and buyers repay through annual taxes. New communities carry maximum MUD rates; established communities carry declining or retired rates. Buyers paying $400,000 for a new construction home in Chambers Creek, Del Webb Fulshear, or Del Webb Sugar Land are buying in at peak MUD exposure. This is not a reason to avoid new construction — but it is a required line item in every financial projection.

What to Verify Before Signing a New Construction Contract

1. The current combined tax rate for that specific address. Ask the sales office for the estimated total rate including MUD. Then verify it independently at your county CAD. Sales offices sometimes quote older or lower rate estimates. The current rate for your specific lot is what matters.

2. The builder's warranty terms. Texas new construction has a 1-year workmanship warranty, 2-year mechanical systems warranty, and 10-year structural warranty under state law. Get the builder's specific warranty document and read it before signing.

3. The punch list process. How does this builder handle final walkthrough defects? What is the timeline commitment for resolving items before closing? Get this in writing, not verbal assurance.

4. The phase-specific site supervisor. Quality at Del Webb and other large-scale builders varies by the specific site superintendent and crew assigned to each phase. Ask current residents about their builder experience — not the community overall, but the specific phase and crew you are buying from.

5. The HOA status at time of purchase. Is the HOA still developer-controlled? When does transition to homeowner governance occur? Developer-controlled HOAs have more restrictive enforcement and less resident input.